Trusts are a cornerstone of an effective Estate Plan. Through Trusts, you are able to avoid the often lengthy and costly Probate process and maintain greater authority over the distribution of your assets. However, not all Trusts are made the same. There are numerous types of Trust but each fits into one of two main categories: Revocable or Irrevocable Trust. The question remains: which one aligns best with your Read More
Preserving Medicaid Eligibility Through Estate Planning
As we grow older, our care needs and circumstances change. We often require expensive care as we age and need the assistance of vital government programs like Medicaid to take care of certain medical costs. Of course, our financial resources are often limited in retirement. So, how can you preserve Medicaid eligibility even if you own valuable assets or have a high net worth? This is where a Medicaid Asset Read More
Why Your Estate Plan Needs a Pour-Over Will
A complete Estate Plan accounts for all aspects of your life’s work. You work hard and acquire assets over time that hold value and meaning to you and your loved ones. However, an incomplete plan puts some aspects of your legacy up in the air. Your Estate Plan should include a number of elements that cover your specific situation, not just a single document. There is no “one-size-fits-all” planning strategy. Read More
What Happens When You Die Without a Will?
We believe in the importance of having a plan for all stages of life – including death. Planning for what comes tomorrow ensures you and your loved ones aren’t left picking up the pieces when something unexpected happens. Short of clairvoyance, there’s no predicting what will happen but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for it. Dying without a will is dying without a plan. This is what is referred to as Read More
Estate Planning Considerations For Adopted Children
There is no one way to build a family. Many families in South Carolina turn to alternatives like adoption for their own reasons, and we wholeheartedly support that. Our team works with these families just the same as any other and want to equip families of all forms with the necessary Estate Planning toolbox they need to achieve peace of mind. Adoptions come with their own particular nuances in an Estate Plan. Read More
You Need These Planning Documents for Your 18-Year-Old Kids Immediately
Turning 18 brings on a lot of new freedoms and responsibilities. It’s a time of transition for young adults who are looking to take that next step in life. With that transition comes significant legal changes that parents need to be aware of before it’s too late. You have been involved in your child’s life every step of the way – accessing the necessary information to make important medical and financial decisions Read More
Understanding the Truth About the South Carolina Probate Process
A quick Google search inquiring about the probate process will turn up a wide variety of results. Some estate planning attorneys will tell you to avoid it at all costs – raising concerns about privacy, time, cost, and individuals contesting the estate. Other sites will tell you there’s nothing to worry about as long as you properly establish and meticulously detail your estate plan. All of this noise and, in some Read More
Estate Planning Can Protect Your Child’s Inheritance From An Untrustworthy Spouse
As parents, watching our children grow into adults and start their own relationships can be scary. We believe in our efforts to guide them in the right direction and trust them to build their own lives and their own families. Sometimes, the person they chose to marry may not have been your choice. We want to provide for our heirs financially and many of us want to make sure our assets stay within the family and are Read More
Estate Planning for Cryptocurrency and NFTs
Cryptocurrency and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have become popular hobbies and investing tools in recent years. Both of these have been around for much longer than the general public has been aware of them, but there are still serious questions about how they should be handled in an estate plan. These are both considered digital assets, which we talked about last month, but they require unique considerations in order Read More
What Happens to My Digital Assets When I’m Gone?
Modern technology has changed estate planning forever. We hear from clients who are concerned about what will happen to their digital assets and data when they die. After all, much of our lives are spent and stored online today. Your estate plan will need to account for these assets similar to the way other assets are handled but, in some cases, there are other ways to transition those assets, as well. It ultimately Read More